Washing machine provided with self-cleaning filter



Dec. 16, 1952 T. R. SMITH WASHING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH SELF-CLEANING FILTER 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Original Filed Dec. 15, 1947 J... 9 m G 6 n M f 2 A h m m Dec. 16, 1952 1', sMlTH 2,621,505

WASHING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH SELF-CLEANING FILTER Original Filed Dec. 13, 1947 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 I I I I I I I I I o INVENTOR.

ATI'ORNEY5 Patented Dec. 16, 1952 WASHING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH SELF-CLEANING FILTER Thomas R. Smith, Newton, Iowa, assignor to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, a. corporation of Delaware Original application December 13, 1947, Serial N 0.

791,483. Divided and this application November 5, 1949, Serial No. 125,800

16 Claims. 1

This invention relates to filters for fluids, more particularly to filters of the self-cleaning type and it has for an object to provide improved apparatus of the character set forth.

In clothes washing machines, especially the type wherein a portion of the washing fluid continuously flows from the receptacle in which fabrics are washed and is recirculated back to the washing receptacle, it is desirable to prevent or retard the return of foreign matter or particles such as, for example, heavy dirt, sand, lint, etc. carried from the receptacle by the fluid, be cause it is more or less detrimental to the cleaning operation to keep returning the separated dirt and solid matter thereto. Also, it is desirable to provide means for disposing of the filtered foreign particles at predetermined intervals.

It is therefore another object of the invention to provide a filter which retards the flow of foreign matter and is periodically actuated to release the retarded foreign matter.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a filter for a recirculating type automatic washing machine which retards the flow of heavy and large foreign particles back to the cleaning compartment and is periodically actuated by a condition in the cycle of washing to permit the retarded foreign matter to flow to drain.

It is another object of the invention to provide a filter which has self-cleaning characteristics.

It is another object of the invention to provide a filter with a'plurality of filaments having small spaces therebetween disposed so that fluid flows thereacross in a tortuous manner whereby foreign particles flowing with the fluid are retarded and retained.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a filter in a container which is so disposed as to be moved away from an outlet opening when the fluid in the container exceeds a predetermined level.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a self-cleaning filter in a discharge opening which acts to retard foreign particles from flowing therethrough during certain periods and to automatically move to a second position to permit flow of foreign particles during certain other periods and at the same time be positioned to permit self-cleaning thereof.

It is another object of the invention to provide a filter about an outlet opening to retard flow of foreign particles in one position and to release the foreign particles in a second position which at the same time is positioned to resist vortical flow through the outlet opening.

These and other objects are effected by the invention as will be apparent from the following description and claims taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic partial vertical sectional view of a washing machine of an automatic type having fluid recirculation features and with the improved filter applied thereto.

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the improved filter shown in Figure l in its raised position.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the filter shown in Figures 1 and 2, and,

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of the improved filter with a modified form of actuating means therefor.

Referring now to the drawing for a brief description of one form of apparatus to which the invention may be applied there is shown in Figure 1 a stationary cylindrical tub or casing 9 having a bottom It and an access opening H at the top. Substantially centrally located in the bottom portion of the tub is an annular upstanding open ended column 12 to provide a reservoir or storage space I3 for washing fluid between the column and side wall of the casing and an opening through which a hollow shaft or sleeve I4 extends into the casing. This hollow shaft is adapted to support and rotate a movable tub or receptacle l5, having an imperforate bottom It and an upwardly extending side wall H, in the upper portion of the casing and to permit relative motion therebetween. The upper portion of the receptacle l5 has an access opening I8 in alignment with the opening II in the casing and a plurality of overflow openings l9 disposed on a horizontal plane in its side wall which define a washing fluid or liquid level 20 therein. It is obvious that should the level of fluid 20 tend t rise above the openings I9, it will flow out of the openings and fall into the lower portion of the stationary tub 9.

Mounted in the receptacleis an agitator 2!, of any suitable type, which is oscillated or actuated by means of a shaft 22 concentric with and journaled in the hollow shaft l4. Both of these shafts are operatively connected to a motion transmitting mechanism of any suitable type, such as erably actuated in such manner as to agitatetlie,

fabrics and washing liquid and the hollow shaft a. driving pulley 2'1 rigidly secured to a shaft 28 on a drive motor 29.

Water or washing fluid is admitted through a vertical conduit 38 having its upper end disposed so as to discharge water therefrom directly into the receptacle IS. A solenoid operated constant temperature valve 3| attached to the conduit 30 controls the mixture of hot and cold water from any suitable source 32, in a manner to be hereinafter described.

Disposed in the bottom It of the stationary casing 9 is an integral frusto-conical wall or dished portion 34 forming part ofa discharge or outlet opening 35. This opening leads to the inlet of a centrifugal pump 36 driven by a pulley 31 operatively connected to the drive motor 29 by means of a driving pulley 38 and a belt 39. The dis charge side of the pump leads to a chamber 40 communicating with a recirculating conduit 4i and a drain conduit 42. A double acting valve 43 operated by means of a lever 44 connected to a solenoid 15 is utilized to direct the flow of washing fluid either to the recirculating conduit 4| disposed to discharge into the rotatable receptacle IE or to the drain conduit 42 which discharges the fluid to the usual sewerage system. With the valve in the position shown, any fluid discharged by the pump 35 flows into the chamber ill and through the recirculation conduit 41 back. into the receptacle I5.

Also mounted adjacent the bottom I is a switch operating float 46 pivoted at 41 to actuate a lever 48 carrying a pair of contacts 49 and 51. The contacts and 49 are utilized to energize the solenoid valve 3i and driving motor 29, respectively, and act in series with a sequential controlling or timing means 52. This timing means causes the washing apparatus to performa series of operations in a predetermined sequence and is driven by means of a timer motor 53 and it is also subject to manual adjustment or selection through a control knob 55. As the particular means forcausing the apparatus to perform various functions, the drive and manual adjustment therefor may be of any suitable type and as other apparatus may be substituted for that shown and described, further detailed description is not deemed necessary. Also, any suitable float and float operated switch may be utilized instead of the particular type shown.

Referring now to the means for filtering the washing fluid there is shown, in Figures 1, 2 and 3, a displaceable filtering means or element 5'! dis posed about the outlet passage 35 at the bottom ill of the stationary casin 9. The filterelement, in this embodiment, preferably comprises a plurality of rows of closely spaced downwardly projecting filaments or bristles 59 mounted in annular U-shaped channels 59a of varying diame ters rigidly secured to the lower portion of a stepped substantially frusto-conical movable base structure 66 which conforms generally, although not necessarily, to the conical portion 34 at the bottom of the tub. It is to be understood that the particular manner of securing the bristles to the base 60 is not too important in that any suitable 6! of the filaments facing in the direction of the outlet opening 35 are trimmed or cut to conform to and rest on or abut the frusto-conical wall portion 34 about the outlet opening 35. It can be vseen from the drawings'that when the edges of the downwardly projecting filaments are in engagement with the frusto-conical wall portion 34 a space or passageway 62 is provided between the portion 34 of the tub and the base portion Bil on the filter element through which washing fluid flows. Thus foreign particles tending to flow to the outlet opening 35 are restricted or retarded by the; closely spaced filaments as the water flows therearound and heavy particles are retained therein.

A float or air chamber 63 capable of moving or lifting th'e filter 57 away from the outlet opening 35 is preferably formed as part of the filter element and comprises the base secured to a top wall 64 at its outer diameter and both of these elements are united by-an elongated guide tube '55 at the central portion. This air chamber or float acts to raiseand lower the filter element in accordance with the quantity of washing fluid in the bottom of the stationary tub I0.

In order toinsure the proper positioning of the filter element .51 as it is raised and lowered by the-liquid accumulated in the tub there is provided a guide rod or shaft 66 extending loosely through the annular tube -and downward-toward the outlet 35. The upper end of the guide rod is rigidly fastened by bolts 61, or any other suitable means, to the bracket 68 secured to the stationary tub ID. A stop or shoulder 69 formed or positioned on the guide rod 66 limits the upward travel of the filter element when the lower portion of-the tub is filled with water above a predetermined level. This'shoulder 69 is so positioned as to permit an unrestricted annular space 19 between the conical portion 34 of the drain. and the free ends 6-! of the-filaments-during the time when the float is raised but at the same time is sufficiently close so that foreign particles adhering to the downwardly projecting bristles are vigorously acted on by the water flowing to the drain to disengage a large portion of the foreign particles. Also, with the filter in its retracted position wortical movement of the water in its passage downwardly through the outlet opening is resisted and consequently a more rapid emptying of the tub is accomplished.

The utility of this filter element 51 will be apparent from the following brief description of the operation of the machine. The operator places the detergent and fabrics to be washed in the rotary receptacle I5 and thereafter turns the control knob 54 to its desired starting position. Although the control dial is positioned the switch operated float 46 is in its downward position to thereby de-energize the main drive and control circuits while the contact 5! is closed. This acts to energize the solenoid valve 3i to permit water to flow through the conduit 30 from the source 32 and be discharged into the receptacle. When the level of liquid in the receptacle reaches the openings [9 the water overflows and collects in the bottom of the stationary tub l0.

Due to the fact that the stationary tub is empty the filter element will be positioned against the conical portion 34 of the outlet opening by means of gravity. As the level in the stationary tub rises to a predetermined level means may be utilized. .The oppositeorfree ends 1' A which is normally slightly below the point Where the float chamber 63 would lift the filter element 51 away from the outlet opening, the float 46 is actuated to deenergize or cut oif the flow of water to the receptacle and at the same time energize the drive motor 29 and timer motor 53 through contact 49. The drive motor rotates the driven pulley 25 at the drive mechanism 23 which causes the shaft 22 to oscillate the agitator 2| to thereby wash the clothing or fabrics.

As the drive motor 29 rotates the pump 36 it withdraws the washing fluid through the filter element 51 and discharges the filtered washing fluid into the chamber 40. During the washing operation the double acting valve 43 is in the position shown wherein the drain passage 42 is closed and the liquid flows through the recirculating conduit M and is discharged back into the receptacle. Thus it can be seen that during the washing operation filtered washing fluid is continuously withdrawn from the bottom of the tub in by the pump and is discharged back into the receptacle l5 and the washing fluid above the normal liquid level 20 flows out of the overflow openings l9 and falls to the bottom of the tub If]. This washing fluid carries with it heavy dirt and foreign particles and these are carried toward the drain opening. As the water flows through the filter in a tortuous path the closely spaced bristles restrict the flow therethrough and at the same time retard and hold a large portion of the foreign particles.

After a predetermined time interval the timer motor 53 advances the timing means 52 which completes a circuit through solenoid 45 which is actuated to shut off the recirculating conduit 4| and to open the chamber 40 to the drain conduit 42. The advancement of the timing means 52 also completes a circuit through the solenoid 24a, to operate the shifting mechanism 24 for disconnectin the shaft 22 from its driving relation with the motor 29 and to cause an operative driving relation between the motor 29 and the sleeve M to thereby rotate the receptacle l5 at high speed in one direction. When the receptacle is rotated at high speed, the washing fluid is rapidly thrown or expelled from the tub through the openin s I9 and accumulates in the bottom of the stationary tub. The space between the bottom of the tub and the top of the annular column I2 is preferably of such capacity as to hold at least the entire contents of the washing liquid in the rotary receptacle l5. During the initial portion of the spin period the flow of water from the receptacle I5 is at a much greater rate than can be removed by the pump 36, therefore the water level rises therein to approximately the level B. As the water level rises above a predetermined level, determined by the position and size of the float, the float chamber 63 on the filter element 5'! rises with the level and causes the free ends of the filaments on the conical filter element to be withdrawn from the conical surface 34, the distance of withdrawal being determined by the shoulder 69 on the guide rod 66. At this time it can be seen that a large portion of the fluid is permitted to flow directly to the drain. Also, due to the spacing between the bottom edges 61 of the filter element and the bottom of the tub, a portion of the fluid flow is about the filaments in substantially parallel relation thereto and acts to wash away a major portion of the foreign particles adhering thereto which are pumped to drain along the washing liquid.

Another advantage of limiting the upward displacement of the filter element 5'! with respect to its seat 34 is that vortical movement of the water in its passage downwardly through the outlet opening 35 is resisted'with a resultant effect of permitting a larger quantity of water to flow through the outlet opening in a given period of time.

The filter element 51 will remain in its retracted or uppermost position against the shoulder 69 until the liquid level in the stationary tub drops below a predetermined level, after which the filter element under the influence of gravity will be moved downwardly in guided relation to the rod 66 into its proper filtering positionin contact with the seat 34.

Should the openings between the filaments of the filter element for any reason become clogged or restricted materially, the water level will rise in the stationary tub and this in turn will raise the filter element 51 slightly away from th drain opening to permit the proper flow of liquid for recirculation. Under this condition, filtering would not take place, but the returning of washing fluid to the receptacle is not impaired.

At the end of the spinning operation the solenoid 45 is deenergized which causes the double acting valve 43 to move to its drain shut-off position and the solenoid valve 3| to open to permit rinse water to be admitted to the receptacle. The sequence of operation for rinsing and spinning is similar to that for washing and spinning.

Referring now to the modification as shown in Figure 4, there is provided a positive means for actuating the filter element 51. This means includes a solenoid H acting on a lever 12 pivoted at 13. The opposite end of the lever remote from the solenoid is connected to a link secured to the filter element. The solenoid in this instance is controlled by the timer element 52 and is energized to lift the filter element during the period when the receptacle I5 is rotated. Thus it can be seen that during the washing operation the filter element is disposed against the conical portion 34 of the tub by means of gravity and a spring l5 to retard foreign, particles and when the solenoid H is energized the filter element 5! is moved away from thedrain opening 35 to permit the foreign particles to be pumped to drain and at the same time clean the individual filaments in the filterelement.

Because the filter is formed of filaments which are all open on the bottom or lower portion and as the flow'to the outlet has an angular component with respect to the length of the individual filaments, when the float raises the filaments away from the conical surface the collected dirt will be washed from the filaments through the open portion of the filter element and down the drain.

In the preferred form the filter is automatic in operation to the extent that no special control need be added, because the water level in the bottom of the tub It causes the filter to rise and the increased flow, due to the filter being out of the main path of flow, plus the higher water level with a resultant increased pressure, combines to effectively wash the collected dirt off the filter element. In the modification (Figure 4) the filter is identical, except that it is operated by the timer.

From the foregoing it can be seen that a -that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of the upper portion thereof in which the clothes element has been provided which acts to retard the flow of foreign particles during certain periods and at other periods it acts to permit the discharge of foreign particles to drain. Although this filter element has been disclosed in conjunction with a recirculating type automatic washing machine it may be applied equally as well to other types of apparatus in which it is desirable to have intermittent filtering.

This application is a divisional of my co-pending application Serial No. 791,483, filed December 13, 1947, and entitled Self Cleaning Filter.

While the invention has been shown in several forms, it will obvious to those skilled in the art various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, and it is deare washed and centrifugally dried, fluid discharge means for said tub, a filter having depending filtering elements operatively positioned with respect to said discharge means for filtering washing fiuid passing therethrough, means for causing an overflow of washing fluid from the receptacle to the tub during the washing operation, pump means for withdrawing washing fluid through said filter and returning the same to the receptacle during the washing operation, and means for displacing the filter with respect to said discharge means during the spinning operation so that washing fluid in the bottom of the tub may be discharged through said discharge means to drain, said displacement of the filter being substantially vertical with respect to said discharge means whereby said filter is so disposed that a portion of the washing fluid discharged to drain flows in substantially the same direction through the filter as during-the filtering operation. I

2. In a combined washing and centrifugal drying machine having a washing and drying period, a. stationary tub having a bottom and an outlet opening, a rotatable receptacle disposed in the upper portion thereof in which the clothes are washed when the receptacle is stationary and centrifugally dried when the receptacle is rotated at high speed, a filter element disposed in the lower portion of the tub about the outlet opening, means for causing an overflow of washing fluid from the receptacle into the stationary tub during the washing period, a pump for withdrawing washing fluid through the filter and outlet opening and returning the same to the receptacle during the washing period, and a float secured to the filter element for displacing the same with respect to the outlet opening during the centrifugal drying period to permit substantially unobstructed flow of washing fluid to the pump.

3. In a washing machine, a stationary tub having a bottom with an outlet opening therein, a receptacle rotatably mounted in said tub for receiving clothes to be washed, means for agitating the clothes in the receptacle when it is stationary for washing and for centrifugally drying the clothes by rotating the receptacle at high speed, means for supplying washing fluid to the receptacle to maintain a predetermined level therein including a pump and recirculating con- 75 duit, a filter having depending filtering elements disposed about the outlet opening in the bottom of the tub to filter the washing fluid flowing to the pump and the recirculating conduit, and means for displacing the filter with respect to the outlet opening during the period when the receptacle is rotated so that Washing fluid flows past the filter to the outlet opening, said displacement of the filter being substantially vertical with respect to said outlet opening whereby said filter is so disposed that a portion of the washing fluid discharged through said outlet opening flows in substantially the same direction through the filter as during the filtering operation.

4. In a washing machine, a stationary tub having a bottom with an outlet opening therein, a rotatable receptacle for receiving clothes to be washed, means for agitating the clothes in the receptacle for washing, said receptacle having an opening in the top thereof through which clothes may be inserted and removed and a second opening spaced from said first named opening to define a liquid level, means for. recirculating washing fluid from the stationary tub to the receptacle during washing, said receptacle being arranged to overflow to the tub through the second opening, and a float operated filter disposed about the outlet opening for intercepting and filtering washing fluid flowing to the recirculating means during washing and displaced with respect to the outlet opening when the receptacle is rotated to permit substantially unobstructed flow to the outlet opening and at the same time flush adhering particles from the filter element.

5. In a washing machine, a casing having a bottom with anoutlet opening therein, a receptacle in the casing for receiving clothes to be washed, means for agitating the clothes in the receptacle for washing and for centrifugally drying the clothes by rotating the receptacle at high speed, means for pumping washing liquid from the casing through the outlet opening to the receptacle during washing, said receptacle being arranged to overflow to the casing whereby the washing fluid is circulated from the receptacle to the casing and back to the receptacle during washing, a filter arranged in the bottom of the casing about the outlet opening in the path of the washing liquid during washing, said filter comprising a plurality of closely spaced elongated thin bristle-like elements having one end thereof secured to a base member and the opposite ends resting when in filtering position against the bottom of the casing, and means for displacing said filter a substantial distance from the path of washing fluid during rotation of the receptacle.

6. In a combined washing and drying machine of the type having a receptacle in which clothes are washed and centrifugally dried, a casing surrounding the receptacle and having suificient space below the receptacle during centrifugal drying for the storage of the washing fluid and having an outlet opening in the bottom thereof, means for selectively elfecting washing in the receptacle and rotating the receptacle for extracting, a filter comprising a plurality of elongated closely spaced bristles disposed about the outlet opening, means for withdrawing washing fluid from the casing through the filter and returning said washing fluid to said receptacle during washing, control means movable to positions for controlling the washing and centrifugal drying operations, timing means for moving the control means to the washing and extracting positions in timed sequence, and means for displacing the filter with respect to the outlet opening during the centrifugal rotation of the receptacle and at the same time flush particles adhering thereto down the outlet opening, said displacement of the filter being substantially vertical with respect to said outlet opening whereby said filter is so disposed that a portion of the washing fluid discharged through said outlet opening flows in substantially the same direction through the filter as during the filtering operation.

7. In a washing machine, a rotatable tub for receiving liquid and clothes to be washed having overflow passages therein defining a liquid level, Washing means for agitating the liquid and clothes in the tub, a casing surrounding the tub and provided with an outlet opening, a pump for withdrawing liquid overflowing from'the tub into the casing and for returning the same to the receptacle in a continuous stream or to a drain, a filter disposed in the tub and about the outlet opening to collect foreign particles carried by the liquid overflowing the tub, and a float secured to the filter operative when the fluid in the casing reaches a predetermined level for moving the filter away from the outlet passage to permit a portion of the liquid to be withdrawn directly to drain and-the remaining portion to act as a flush for cleaning the filter element.

8. In a combined washing and drying machine having a washing and drying operation, a stationary tub, a rotatable receptacle disposed in the upper portion thereof in which the clothes are washed and centrifugally dried, fluid discharge means for said tub, a filter operatively positioned with respect to said discharge means for filtering washing fluid passing therethrough, said filter comprising substantially rigid supporting means and a body of adjacently disposed elongated filaments secured atone end to said supporting means and adapted to cooperate with said discharge means at their other end, means for causing an overflow of washing fluid from the receptacle to the tub during the washing operation, pump means for withdrawing washing fluid through said filter and returning the same tothe receptacle during the washing operation, and means for displacing the filter with respect to said discharge means during the spinning operation so that washing fluid in the bottom of the tub may be discharged through said discharge means to drain, said displacement of the filter being substantially vertical with respect to said discharge means whereby said filter is so disposed that a portion of the washing fluid discharged to drain flows in substantially the same direction through the filter as during the filtering operation.

9. In a combined washing and drying machine having a washing and drying operation, a stationary tub, a rotatable receptacle disposed in the upper portion thereof in which the clothes are washed and centrifugally dried, fluid discharge means for said tub, a filter operatively positioned with respect to said discharge means for filtering washing fluid passing therethrough, said filter comprising a support and an annular body of adjacently disposed elongated filaments secured adjacent one end to said support and adapted to cooperate with said discharge means at their other end, means for causing an overflow of washing fluid from the receptacle to the tub during the washing operation, pump means for withdrawing washing fiuid through said filter and returning the same to the receptacle during the washing operation, and means for displacing the filter with respect to said discharge means during the spinning operation so that washing fluid in the bottom of the tub may be discharged through said discharge means to drain, said displacement of the filter being substantially vertical with respect to said discharge means whereby said filter is so disposed that a portion of the washing fluid discharged to drain flows in substantially the same direction through the filter as during the filteringoperation.

10. In a combined washing and drying machine having a washing and drying operation, a stationary tub, a. rotatable receptacle disposed in the upper portion thereof in which the clothes are washed and centrifugally dried, fluid discharge means for said tub including a seat formed with a frusto-conical surface, a filter operatively posi tioned with respect to said discharge means for filtering washing fluid passing therethrough, said filter comprising a support and a body of adjacently disposed elongated filaments secured adjacent one end to said support and having the other ends thereof arranged to abut said frusto-conical surface over a substantial portion thereof, means for causing an overflow of washing fluid from the receptacle to the tub during the washing operation, pump means for withdrawing washing fluid through said filter and returning the same to the receptacle during the washing operation, and means for displacing the filter with respect to said discharge means during the spinning operation so that washing fluid in the bottom of the tub may be discharged through said discharge means to drain.

' 11. In a combined washing and drying machine having a washing and drying operation, a stationary tub, a rotatable receptacle disposed in the upper portion thereof in which the clothes are washed and centrifugally dried fiuid discharge means for said tub including a seat formed with a frusto-conical surface, a filter operatively positioned with respect to said discharge means for filtering washing fluid passing therethrough, said filter comprising a support and a plurality of substa'ntially co-axial ad acently arranged filtering units each of which is formed from a body of adjacently disposed elongated filaments secured at one end to said support and having the free ends thereof terminating to define in part the surface of a cone adapted to abut said frustoconical surface over a substantial portion thereof, means for causing an overflow of washing fluid from the receptacle to the tub during the washing operation, pump means for withdrawing washing fluid through said filter and returning the same to the receptacle during the Washing operation, and means for displacing the filter with respect to said discharge means during the spinning operation so that washing fluid in the bottom of the tub may be discharged through said discharge means to drain.

12. In a combined washing and drying machine having a washing and drying operation, a stationary tub, a rotatable receptacle disposed in the upper portion thereof in which the clothes are washed and centrifugally dried, fluid discharge means for said tub including a seat formed with a frusto-conical surface, a filter operatively positioned with respect to said discharge means for filtering washing fluid passing therethrough, said filter comprising a support and a plurality of substantially co-axial adjacently arranged filtering units each of which is formed from a body of adjacently disposed elongated filaments secured at one end to said support in axial ofiset relation and having the free ends thereof terminating to define in part the surfaceof a cone adapted to abut said frusto-conical surface over a substantial portion thereof, means for causing an overflow of washingfiuid from the receptacle to the tub during the washing operation, pump means for withdrawing washing fluid through said filter and returning the same to the receptacle during the washing operation, and means for displacing the filter with respect to said discharge means during the spinning operation so that washing fluid in the bottom of the tub may be discharged through said discharge means to drain. v p

13. In a combined washing and centrifugal drying machine having a washing and drying period, a stationary tub having discharge means including a seat, a rotatable receptacle disposed in the upper portion thereof inwhich the clothes are washed when the receptacle is stationary and centrifugally dried when the receptacle is rotated at high speed, a filter disposed in the lower portion of said tub and operatively associated with said discharge means, said filter comprising sub stantially rigid supporting means and a body of adjacently disposed elongated filaments secured at one end to said supporting means and adapted to abut said seatat their other ends, means for causing an overflow of washing fluid from the receptacle into the stationary? tub during the washing period, a pumpfor withdrawing washing. fluid through the filter and outlet opening and returning the same to the receptacle during the washing period, and a float secured to the filter element for displacing the same with respect to the outlet opening during the centrifugal drying period to permit substantially unobstructed flow of washing fluid to the pump.

14. In a combined washing and centrifugal drying machine having a washing and drying period, a stationary tub having discharge means including a seat, a'rotatable receptacle disposed said discharge'means. said filter comprising a buoyant support and a body of adjacentlydisposed velongated filaments secured at one end tosaid supporting means and adapted to abut said seat at their other ends, means for causing an overflow of washing fluid from the receptacle into the stationary tub during the washing period, .and a pump for withdrawing washing fluid through the filter and outletopening.andfreturning the same to the receptacleduring'thewashing period, said buoyant support being adapted to displace said filter element with respect to said seat during the centrifugal drying periodto permit substantially unobstructed flow of washing fiuid to the pump.

15. A combined washing and centrifugal drying machine according to claim 13, wherein the filter seatis "formed with a frusto-conical surface and the free ends of the filaments are adapted to be disposed in abutting relation over a substantial portion of said frusto-conical surface.

16. A combined washing and centrifugal drying machineaccording to claim 14, wherein the filter seat is formed with a frus'to-conical surface and the free ends of the filaments are adapted to be disposed in abutting relation over a substantial portion of said frusto-conical surface.

' THOMAS R. SMITH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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